The price difference can't be put down to extra distance or any rational factor as far as I can see, and there are people with much more knowledge of the industry than me who can't see a practical reason either.

The only logical answer is that Maryborough simply has more independent service stations than Hervey Bay, creating true competition.

RACQ has even encouraged drivers to avoid the overpriced petrol stations, an unusually strong statement from Australia's peak motoring body.

But unless drivers start doing exactly that, we probably won't see a change.

It should not take a boycott to make the offending servos see sense, but money speaks louder than words.